Preview: Let's Golf (iPhone)

After checking out TheOregon Trail last week at Gameloft's New York offices, the developer also took the time to show me another one of their iPhone titles, Let's Golf.

As expected, Let's Golf is a (are you sitting down?) golf title, one that to my delight draws much inspiration from the Hot Shots Golf series. From the game's art-style to its intuitive and familiar touch-based controls, fans of Sony's golf titles should feel right at home.

The swing system is simple and feels natural -- you tap once to start a meter, again to set, and then a third time to stop it in a "sweet spot." If it sounds familiar, that's because it is. The "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy works well for Gameloft here. There game doesn't force in any odd accelerometer controls, and it seems to be for the best.

Four courses are available to play on, including locales like the United States, Scotland, and Fiji. Each has its own unique look and layout, and can be played as single one-off exhibition style games or in a deeper career/tournament mode. Playing through the game allows you to unlock upgraded stats and customizing options for the game's four characters, another nod to the popular Hot Shots series.

At $5.99, Let's Golf looks like it could be a nice diversion for gamers looking for a simple, no-frills golf title that simply works. The title should be available on iTunes this week.